Brie Schmidt

Prepare to be inspired with our latest feature, Brie Schmidt! There are so many great takeaways in Brie’s story. If there’s one thing that stuck out to us, it’s that life is too short to take anything for granted. Start living the life you dream of now!

Let’s dive into the Q&A to find out more…

Landlordette: Let’s start from the beginning…give us a brief recap of who you are, where you came from, etc.!

Brie: My name is Brie Schmidt, I am a full time investor and Managing Broker of Second City Real Estate. I worked in corporate sales for almost a decade travelling all over the county, only to realize that work/life balance was my first priority. That’s when I decided to change my life. I started investing in 2011 when I “house hacked” a 3-unit property in Chicago. By 2014 I had 13 properties and quit my corporate job to do real estate full time. Now I own 31 properties, 8 companies, and in 2017 I helped investors add $100k a month of rental income to their portfolio.

Landlordette: What inspired you to get where you are at today?

Brie Schmidt: In 2012 my Dad passed away from a quick, aggressive, form of cancer. He passed away literally the day he was supposed to retire after working 25+ years at the post office. He had always talked about “when I retire I am going to do …” and he never got to do any of it. So at 29 I realized the path that I was on was the same, I was working 50-60 hours a week with no end in sight. I decided to focus on what lifestyle I wanted for myself and every decision since has been made to achieve that goal.

Landlordette: We love the grit and determination in this industry to pursue your passion but, like anything else, it’s not always easy. Overall, how has your journey been? Lots of ups and downs? Smooth sailing?

Brie Schmidt: It took a lot of hard work, a lot of long hours, but it was always to get to the place where I can do what I want, when I want. It did not happen overnight but I always knew what I was doing would get me there, so the bumps were worth it to get to the end goal.

Landlordette: How did you overcome these bumps? What advice would you give to people in that position?

Brie Schmidt: I overcame these things once I realized that the only thing I can control is how I react. This realization made things a lot easier. I don’t stress about something that happened because it already happened, I can’t go back in time and change it, all I can do is deal with it. I can work to prevent it happening again, but that still won’t change what happened. My advice would be just solve it, learn from it, and move on.

I also think my perspective has changed since losing my Dad. Everything else seems so small in comparison to that. When I get overwhelmed I remind myself that it is not the worst thing that has happened to me and that helps put it in perspective.

Landlordette: If you could, would you change anything?

Brie Schmidt: Never. Life is a learning experience and every challenge is an opportunity to overcome.

Landlordette: Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and/or business?

Brie Schmidt: Not a meaningful role, but it has played a role to some extent. I would like to believe all my investment choices were because I am a genius but the reality is some of them were probably luck. I got a tattoo when I was 25 that says, “I will either find a way or make one” which reminds me to make my own luck.

Landlordette: Let’s talk real estate…what do you think will be the biggest changes in the industry over the next few years?

Brie Schmidt: Availability of deals. It is getting harder every day to find deals and as more investors get in the game it is going to continue to be a challenge.

Landlordette: Any shoutouts? Any mentors? Who has played a meaningful role in getting you where you are today?

Brie Schmidt: Nobody specific, but BiggerPockets.com has been the most influential for me. It is a network of investors who believe in paying it forward. Over the years the community has helped me with any problem I have had or advice I have needed. I have met so many amazing friends through the community, and I will forever be grateful.

Landlordette: A couple fun questions…If you could have an all expense paid vacation anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Brie Schmidt: Travel is a huge part of my lifestyle goals, and I try to take 8-10 weeks off a year. I have been to 20 countries and over 100 cities all over the world. I have so many still on my bucket list but my #1 right now is Istanbul. The city is interesting to me culturally and I would love to experience it.

Landlordette: Would you rather have your dream car or your dream wardrobe?

Brie Schmidt: Hahaha. Neither, honestly! I would much rather spend that money on travel. I work from home so I think my 2010 car gets 2,000 miles a year. I get to wear yoga pants every day and don’t think I own anything over $100 in my closet. I think materialistic things are a waste of money and would much rather spend it on experiences and creating memories.